Classic Mini - What to look out for

Jens

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Hi guys, I could use some help/advice

My girlfriend and I are looking at classic Mini's, she desperately wants one ever since I met her and now she's looking into buying one which would have to serve as a daily driver (she doesn't drive a lot actually).

So I'd like to ask for some FinalGear top tips when it comes to buying a second hand Mini, what is the model year to look out for, what should be given a closer look, what are common failure points on them and will it be able to serve as a daily driver reliability wise?

Here are some cars we've been looking at:

http://nl.kapaza.be/oost-vlaanderen/mini-998-cc-stage-1-57882455.htm (bit pricey and slightly modded)

http://nl.kapaza.be/oost-vlaanderen/mini-rode-mini-1000cc-58131786.htm (has some rust on the doorsill but engine and gearbox are sound)

http://nl.kapaza.be/oost-vlaanderen/mini-rover-1300-53804881.htm (1994 model, very low miles, expensive)

http://nl.kapaza.be/west-vlaanderen/mini-1000cc-58122670.htm (carburetor needs work, this scares me, what else might need work on the engine then...)
 
I don't know much about classic Mini's but of the 4 you linked to, i'd personally go for the second one and take care of the rust as soon as you get it.
 
I don't know much about classic Mini's but of the 4 you linked to, i'd personally go for the second one and take care of the rust as soon as you get it.
..while I am more leaning to working on engines than working on the body and thus would take number four.

It depends on what, if any, work you are comfortable doing yourself. If the answer is "none" get the low-mileage expensive mid-nineties car or maybe even try to get one with a warranty from a dealer.
If you are willing to do work yourself, get the car which problems best match the kind of work you can do, or at least can imagine yourself doing.
 
Rust is the killer, and rust that's been filled with body filler is something to watch out for. Not much else to go wrong.
 
The things that I can do myself are limited to basicly doing a full service and replacing things like brakes and a few suspension components. Mostly because I don't have the tools required nor the workspace.
Anything engine related will be handled by a mechanic because I don't feel comfortable working on that, and neither does my girlfriend I think :p

Seems to be harder then I first thought to find a decent Mini for not too much money.
 
Rust is the killer, and rust that's been filled with body filler is something to watch out for. Not much else to go wrong.
WHS.

Minis rot like it's going out of fashion, make sure its not made of chicken wire and filler! There also isn't a part of a Mini that won't dissolve away, so check everything.

The mechanicals are fairly simple but can be awkward to get at due to the tiny engine bay and positioning of everything. Still with enough determination most jobs can be done DIY style with a Haynes book of lies, unlike bodywork which needs specialist equipment and certain skills.

When I was looking at running a classic car as a daily driver I was told by the Triumph Dolomite Club to expect to have the car welded every 2-3 years or so if its in use over winter/lives outside. And the Mini is an even older design than the Triumph, outside of bodywork regular maintenance will keep it running nicely although there is always a chance of a breakdown with a car of that age.
Personally I would go for a 1970s/80s model, back when the Mini wasn't as fashionable and were often bought/looked after by careful elderly owners. Beware modified cars, ensure any work has been done properly, I'd favour an original car over a modified one.

Also don't be fooled by age and mileage, they all rust as badly as one another and there weren't many huge changes in design so buy the most solid one you can afford regardless of age.
 
Alright, thanks for the info! How would running costs stack up to a modern day econobox like mine (fuelcost not taken into account)? Where I live there is a garage that specializes in classic Mini's and thus if something goes wrong it'll probably end up being repaired over there. Might have to drop by and ask them for some information as well, they might even have one for sale with a 1 year warranty.
 
As others have said look for rust. The rest of the car is simple and cheap enough to not be a big cost issue. Prepare to do a big tune up, engine/suspension/and electrical.
 
Rust, especially the raar subframe, There is nothing to stop it rusting.

Rear subframe has brake lines, wheels etc attached and is a messy bugger of a job to change.

My kid brother had a classic Mini as his first beater car, I had to pick it up from a city up north three hours drive away in winter.

The heater did not work, the worst drive I have ever had.

Classic Minis are crap, all British Leyland cars are crap.

(The TR6 was a beautiful car, but still crap with 12mpg and starting problems. See Spectre for BL Jags good/bad.)

:)
 
Insurance/tax will likely be cheap, it is over here. Although I don't know if there are any emission laws in Belgium it may fall foul of with its old design.

Most extra cost will be made up of servicing it, things like oil changes are far more regular on old cars. Try looking for a service manual on-line or something, Haynes Manuals also have service schedules in them IIRC that will detail what should be done and how often. Also budget for rust repairs once every so often, inevitably it will need to be welded at some point, you'll have to ask your local garages about pricing.

Also, if something does go wrong don't despair instantly. An old car's main triumph is often it's simplicity, an amazing range of stuff can be done with a simple tool kit, service manual and time. These cars had little foibles even when new, but were often fixed at the roadside by the owners. 50 years of technological advances shouldn't have made this any harder! ;)
 
It can be registered as a classic car so insurance and tax will indeed be cheap, nothing to worry about concerning emission laws either as far as I know.


Thanks for the help so far, I'm going to do some more research and reading on them, visit the local Mini specialist and look around a couple of Mini owners forums
I'm leaving on holiday wednesday so it'll have to wait a couple of weeks :)
 
Do not, I repeat, do not buy a classic car, and I mean any classic car if you're on a tight budget and unwilling to learn to do more than simple maintenance. Apart from the service intervals captain_70s mentioned, parts will break from wear and tear. I've had years of almost-trouble free motoring with the Kadett just to have the alternator and the exhaust die on me within weeks. You can't predict when things will fail, but they will. And then you'll have to pay.

I don't know about Belgium, but one work hour at the classic car garage is sixty euros over here. As the Mini afaik is a British Leyland parts bin car just like the Kadett comes from GM's parts bin, spare parts will be easily available and on the cheapish side (in terms of classic car parts). It will be work hours that eat up your budget.
Get youself the official service service manual (the one a proper garage would have used back in the 70s). It shall cost around sixty euros in printed form and most likely will be available for a fiver or so on DVD from a mini forum member. Stock up on any special tools you need (again, consult the forums). Most likely you'll be equipped to do all work that does not require a lift for less than 100 bucks. That's less than two work hours of a pro mechanic.
 
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Anyone mentioned rust?

If you spot filler/chicken wire on the floor especially cut it out and weld a metal patch in instead. Ed china did a good demo on the Jensen (Or was it the MG?) in Wheeler Dealers of how to do it with a MiG welder.
 
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